12 ways to help others this holiday season

The most wonderful time of the year can be made more wonderful for San Diego’s underprivileged population with your help. Several organizations are hosting opportunities to donate toys, clothing and food this holiday season. For many children, donated toys are the only gifts they receive. While not all local, many of these organizations have local drop-off locations.

About: Though not a local organization, the American Red Cross serves those affected by Superstorm Sandy and other natural disasters.

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What to donate: Though previous donations were greatly appreciated, officials say the Red Cross is only asking for financial donations.

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How to donate: Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-red-cross, text RED CROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation, or mail a donation to American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington D.C., 20013 or the local chapter at 3950 Calle Fortunada, San Diego, CA 92123.

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Additionally: The Smiles for Soldiers program is also available through the Red Cross. Donations of varying amounts grant gifts to soldiers for the holidays. A $20 donation sends a phone card to a soldier. A $50 donation sends a comfort kit that includes a robe, shower shoes, toothpaste, an MP3 music gift card and other comforting items. A $75 donation provides a training course for families of service-members for when they return home.

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Contact: redcross.org or (858) 309-1200

Toys for Tots

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About: U.S. Marine Corps Reserve- based toy drive has been collecting donations for children since 1991, which are distributed at Christmas.

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What to donate: New, unopened and unwrapped toys that are appropriate for children under 12.

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How to donate: Drop off toys at La Jolla Home Theater and Automation, 6837 La Jolla Blvd., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., for more information, call Danielle Ryan at (858) 750-3177. Or Best Buy, 8657 Villa La Jolla Drive, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., for more information, call Robin Fekete at (858) 587-6379.

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Deadline: Dec. 18.

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Contact: toysfortots.org or (858) 967-1269

San Diego Food Bank

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About: The San Diego Food Bank, which serves some 400,00 San Diegans, is hosting a food drive for the holidays.

About: The YMCA mission states, “The YMCA of San Diego County is dedicated to improving the quality of human life and to helping all people realize their fullest potential as children of God through development of the spirit, mind and body.”

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What to donate: Toys and gifts for children up to age 17.

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How to donate: Bring an unwrapped gift to any YMCA location, including 8355 Cliffridge Ave. location.

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Who benefits: Youths who participate in YMCA programs.

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Deadline: Dec. 7.

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Contact: lajolla.ymca.org or (858) 453-3483

Torrey Pines Rotary

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About: To avoid conflicting with Toys for Tots, the Torrey Pines Rotary has partnered with the Girl Scouts of America to collect stuffed animals for families of service members and patients at children’s hospitals.

How to donate: Bring gift cards or new household items to 3878 Old Town Ave., Suite 200, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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Deadline: Dec. 7.

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Contact: (619) 683-9340,ext. 28 or lindsey@jitfosteryouth.org

La Jolla Concerns

The Children’s Pool Walkway Beautification project seeks to remodel the sidewalk along Coast Boulevard and reduce storm water pollution. The La Jolla Parks and Beaches- sponsored project will replace cracked sidewalk, widen the main walkway, add a second overlook, replace some plants, improve parking and the appearance of the Lifeguard Station.

La Jolla Community Center needs funds to complete facility upgrades. While several renovations projects were recently unveiled, others are still needed and could cost approximately $200,000. These include: flooring throughout the Center, furnishing the new Las Patronas room, painting the building interior and exterior, and replacing old carpeting.

La Jolla Christmas Parade is still in need of approximately $15,000 for the parade to occur. The parade will be 2 p.m. Dec. 2 along Girard Avenue. More than 20,000 people attend the parade annually to watch horses, bands, floats, a flyover and other participants, and culminates with a tree-lighting ceremony. The parade is completely funded by donations.

Seeks donations for community improvement projects, including funding a world-class public art project Murals of La Jolla. Learn how you can participate as a member or patron at lajollacommunityfoundation.org